Back to the Beginning: Genesis 37:1-11

Today's Word: Genesis 37:1-11

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Jacob’s sons hated Joseph and understandably so, he was the apple of his father’s eye and it was no secret --- Jacob even gifted him a beautiful robe. To add insult to injury, the favored Joseph starts having dreams, not just any dreams… dreams about being bowed down to and worshipped. Talk about salt to the wound! This caused the brothers’ hate and jealousy to continue to grow. Who can blame them? 

The problem is they were so caught up in the emotions of their “now” and had no idea what was to come. Our emotions will let us down time and time again. Unwarranted, biased, you name it --- if we let them take control we are headed for a disaster. And more often than not, when we get to where we’re going we see things come together and make sense... after all, hindsight IS 20/20. The picture is clear, but the damage is done.

My Feelings should be an indicator of my situation, but never a dictator of my reaction.

---Lysa TerKeurst

Father God, help me to understand the part emotions play in my life. I truly believe they are a gift, but I do not want to base my actions on feelings which change one moment to the next. Let me instead make choices that rely on Your secure, unchanging truth. Amen. 

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 36

Today's Scripture: Genesis 36

Click the link above to read on BibleGateway.com.

Another list of descendants, but this time it is the dead-end line of Esau. The brother who traded his birthright for that bowl of soup, followed by the men who took their families away from the Promised Land, surrounded themselves with unbelievers, and valued worldly riches far above the riches found in God. Why even include them?

Well, we know all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and the fact that Esau’s bloodline is written in the pages of God’s history is proof of the promise kept with Abraham. He would father many nations.

It is also proof of God’s unfailing love. Every person listed in this chapter was created by God… in His image. He loved them, in spite of faults, detours, disobedience, and dead-ends. Did they deserve God’s love, success, hope? Absolutely not, but no one really does. Which is why I am extremely grateful to be loved by a God whose mercies are new each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), who brings me unfailing love, and the gift of hope through His Son. All of these are gifts I don’t deserve but He gives them anyway. 

Father God, I praise You as the God who loves His enemies, and the One who loves us first. You alone make the way for us to return. You, with Your own blood, paid the price for our sins. Your grace is amazing. Open my heart to fully receive it, and in turn offer it to others in Your name.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 35:16-29

Genesis 35:16-29

Click the link to read online at BibleGateway.com.

One birth, two deaths, and an act of betrayal by his eldest son.

If you are not careful, you will miss it --- the blessing in the middle of all of the pain. Does Jacob see God’s promise being fulfilled as he stands in the middle of loss and disappointment?

Pain often clouds our ability to see God’s blessing. Sometimes we completely miss it when we are neck deep in the pain. Other times it is not until we are able to reflect on it that we see it.

But I think Jacob knows. In the matter of one verse we see his newborn son’s name change from Ben-Oni (Son of My Pain) to Benjamin (Son of Good Fortune).

Lord, let me keep my eyes on You so that I may see Your blessings. Help me to not dwell on pain or disappointments but instead focus on the goodness of You.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 34:1-35:15

Genesis 34:1-35:15

Read the Word before the devotional. Use the link above to read online or open up your Bible.

What a tragic account of history. How does it go so wrong so quickly?

Lack of boundaries, self-indulgence, neglect, revenge, murder. It’s no wonder that chapter 34 is sickening to read… they have chosen to go about their business without God.

We are still doing it today. Just turn on the news or log on to Facebook, and you see one horrific headline after another. Actions and reactions prove this world is trying to live without God, and failing.

And it is NEVER because He abandons us. How often do we beg for His help, pray for Him to intercede and as soon as He does we go on about our business… without Him. But He is always there, always waiting for us to get back on track, to guide us, to free us. Telling us to put down our idols and walk with Him in a constant, growing relationship.

God I know that You are always there. Not so I can call on You only when things are not going my way, but to walk with me... guide me... free me. Show me the areas in my life where I am choosing to live without You. Help me to change. Amen. 

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 33

Today's passage: Genesis 33

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With God, Jacob is ready to face what lies ahead. Does he know exactly what the day will bring? Absolutely not, but there is no more hiding, no more panic, just an assurance in God and the ability to know that whatever happens, he is not alone.

“Then he went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him. And they both wept.”

Peace, humility, respect, and love. What a beautiful homecoming.

Fear does not deserve the driver’s seat. If we give it that spot in our lives we turn into an emotional wreck constantly scrambling for control and the gift of peace so graciously given to us is shoved to the side. BUT when we approach any situation with God our entire attitude can be changed.

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
 Do net let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Father God, I pray we can find refuge in Your beautiful gift of peace. When it cannot be found in our circumstances let us know that it is always there in You.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 32

Today's reading: Genesis 32

Be sure to read the Word before the words below. Open up your Bible or open them online by clicking the link in the reference.

The line has been drawn and Jacob cannot turn back. No matter how scared he is to meet his brother Esau, this is the direction he has been called.

How do you prepare to meet the brother you cheated who has been waiting to kill you for twenty years?

Jacob starts by sending a message addressing his brother as Master and himself as his humble servant… What a plan! But as soon as the message is delivered Jacob gets the report Esau will be meeting him with an army of 400 men... that is no welcoming party. 

He strategizes to avoid complete annihilation by dividing his camp and sending servants ahead of him with gifts in case their group is the one to meet Esau first. Then he secures his wives, servant wives, children, and possessions across the river.

Now Jacob is left completely alone and afraid for his life. The last time this happened he was running from the fire, now he is walking straight into it. I’m sure Jacob had no plans for a great night’s sleep. How could he with what awaited, but did he have any idea he was about to engage in a wrestling match with God Himself?

The two men struggle all night long and Jacob refuses to let the match end without a blessing. To which God responds:

“From now on you will be called Israel because you have fought with God

and with men and have won.”

This one statement left me unsettled. How did Jacob win against God? Why did God let him win? I’m certain I do not want to be involved in any match that includes God being defeated.

But Jacob’s victory has not come with God being the defeated opponent. Instead the victory is WITH God. Jacob, now Israel, is humbled, blessed, renewed by the power of God, and remade in His image. 

I pray the same can be said about us even when we face the most difficult of circumstances.

Lord, I wrestle with You in so many ways everyday through my choices to obey or walk my own way. May I recognize You are fighting for me, to reshape me in Your image, so I may experience victory over the world.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 31:31-55

Genesis 31:31-55

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Laban turns Jacob’s camp upside down searching for his beloved idols, but comes up empty handed (how appropriate that they were actually being sat on). This accusation is the last straw for Jacob as he unleashes twenty years of pent up frustrations on him. A time marked by hard work, honesty, commitment, and success solely from the hand of God, all while Laban was constantly working against him. The altercation comes to an end when Laban suggests a treaty, no doubt as a result of God’s warning. The line has been drawn and this is the last we will hear of Laban.

While we are more than happy to bid good riddance to Old Uncle Laban, we must acknowledge what God has done: He used Laban --- a godless man --- to change the heart of Jacob. The tables were turned and the medicine served. We saw Jacob transform from selfishness and schemes to a man with a strong distaste for deceit and a growing faith. His heart was molded, his character shaped.

Have you ever wished you could erase a situation or relationship from your memory? Replaying the hurt and embarrassment leaves you angry, ashamed, and cheated. While we want to erase it, God has the power to use it.  Find comfort in knowing there is no situation He cannot use. In those moments, you are being molded, transformed, changed, into the person He had planned all along.

God, I am continually amazed at Your gift of transformation. Let me embrace what You have in store for me and give You room to work on my heart. Amen.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 31:1-30

Today's Scripture: Genesis 31:1-30

Read the passage in your Bible or online. Click the link above to read on BibleGateway.com.

There is no guessing on Jacobs end, only patience and trusting in God's timing and now it is finally time for him to leave this hiding place and return to the promised land. With little convincing, Leah and Rachel agree to follow their husband and leave their father's land. So the caravan is packed and they sneak away... but not before Rachel steals the idols from her father's house.

Imagine Laban's reaction when he returns from shearing his flock and finds them gone! Not one to let things go, he assembles a posse and sets out in hot pursuit. With seven days of travel, he has plenty of time to stew over his anger for Jacob, but that is interrupted by a stern warning directly from God.

When he catches up to Jacob, Laban bombards him with questions:

How dare you drag my daughter's away like prisoners!
Why did you slip away secretly?
Why did you deceive me?
And why didn't you say you wanted to leave...? I would have thrown you a going away party! (WHAT?!)

Oh, the irony of a deceiver being so put out when they are the one being deceived!

But his focus really comes down to one accusatory question: Why have you stolen my gods?

This is a man who has heard the voice of God first hand and seen the prosperity of Jacob through the Lord, yet his main concern is the idols. Worthless, time consuming, dead-end idols. How does He not understand? How does He not see, I mean really see, what he is missing? 

God, I miss so much when I try to hold onto idols with one hand and You with the other. Give me the strength and wisdom to put down whatever it is I am allowing to take priority over You and give You my full, complete trust. No back up plan is needed. You provided a way for Jacob and You have provided The Way for each of us. I don't have to guess IF You will, because I know You already have. The moment Your only Son was sacrificed for the sins of the world, it was done. Thank You for loving us so much that Your way leads to eternal life. Amen. 

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 30:25-43

Today's passage: Genesis 30:25-43

Open up your Bible or open up the link by clicking on the reference.

Twenty years of service for what Jacob thought would be a short-term refuge from his brother's wrath, and now he is ready to take his family and go home. After asking to be relieved from his work, Laban acknowledges that he has been blessed by the Lord through Jacob. Wow, how appreciative Laban must have been….Wrong!

”What will it take for you to stay?” His self-serving heart is not ready to give up the free labor and success he knows is dependent on Jacob’s presence. Jacob obliges and gives Laban specific conditions on which he will stay and care for the prosperous flocks: the white sheep, lambs, and goats will be Laban’s, while Jacob’s payment will be any of the spotted, speckled, or dark colored.

“Agreed!” 

With an answer so quick, we should know Laban already has a scheme ready to cheat the terms. It seems there are no limits to which he will not sink to make sure he comes out on top. He takes the exact thing he agreed to and removes it completely so there will be no payment for Jacob. No payment for the man who he just acknowledged brought him blessings and prosperity.

But there can be no true prosperity for those who live their lives rooted in deceit. By faith Jacob sticks it out for twenty years in Laban’s homeland. He was lied to, deceived, and cheated but fully trusted God would provide a way out. God gives Jacob a plan to work with the animals that Laban has left and sure enough Jacob’s flocks increase while Laban’s decrease. 

Father, You give us one example after another of ways to live our life in faith no matter the circumstances. Help us to have the faith of Jacob, knowing that no matter where we are in our lives You are with us and will provide a way.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 29:31-30:24

Today's Scripture: Genesis 29:31-30:24

[Click the reference above to read online or open up your Bible.]

Womb Wars… Battle of the Babies

Today’s passage reads more like the commentary of a ping-pong match. If you had difficulty keeping up with the score, here are the results: 

Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Gad, and Asher (through Zilpah), daughter Dinah, Issachar, Zebulun

Rachel: Dan and Naphtali (through Bilhah), Joseph, and later Benjamin

In spite of jealousy and discontentment running rampant in this dysfunctional family, God continues. He never loses focus, never breaks a promise, and this time we see His plan prevail as Jacob fathers the twelve tribes.

Father, I want to live my life in line with Your Word so You are not constantly working in spite of me. Let my heart focus on Your promises and find fulfillment in You instead of harboring feelings of jealousy or discontentment towards others. It is not more that I need. I need You. Amen.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 29:1-30

Just in time for Valentine's Day, a love story with a twist. Read: Genesis 29:1-30

Click the link or open up your Bible.

Within minutes of making it to his mother’s homeland, Jacob sees the woman of his dreams. It is most definitely love at first sight, but there is no immediate gratification here… Jacob agrees to work seven years for the hand of the woman whom he loves, Rachel. 

Can you imagine their excitement as his payment of service came to an end? Seven years is an extremely long engagement and now the debt has been paid and the two will finally be wed… but not so fast. Laban pulls the ol’ switcheroo on Jacob and tricks him into marrying the “weak eyed sister,” Leah. Oh, the betrayal and heartache he must have felt!

Justice. Karma. We call it divine providence… we like it. After all, why should we feel bad for Jacob? The deceiver got deceived. But, we should pay special attention to Jacob’s reaction when he finds out he has been tricked. Shocked, yes, but did he throw a fit or threaten to kill Laban? I am sure it was tempting, but No!

Jacob agrees to put in seven more years of labor to get what Laban promised him in the first place! His reaction is one of a transformed man and the peace he displays only comes from God.

God, give me the peace of knowing You are with me even when things do not go as planned. Let my hopes and expectations stand firm in Your promises instead of trusting in a world that is sure to let me down.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 28

Today's verses: Genesis 28

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After chaos ensued and the mess made, Jacob flees from home.

Was he satisfied with the outcome of the events? Did he feel warranted in his actions or had regret set in?  Did the blessing from his father even feel like much of a blessing now?

Completely alone, afraid for his life, and tired... this is exactly where God chooses to meet him. Not to deliver punishment but to cover Jacob with grace. The covenant that started with Abraham was passed to Isaac is now delivered to Jacob and sealed with a declaration of assurance: 

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised...”

The same God who promised to be with Jacob is with us today. So easily we forget and think of Him as merely a King reigning over us from His throne, but our God is with us! He meets us where we are, right in the middle of chaos, loneliness, brokenness, ready to cover us with His grace, to help us pick up the pieces, walk with us, and work with us as we put them back together.

Lord, remind me You are with me always. Thank You for not leaving me on my own. Thank You for keeping Your promises even when I don't.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 27:20-46

Today's Scripture: Genesis 27:20-46

Turn to it in your Bible or click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.

When I was little, I remember thinking my family was the only one that was a mess. I felt like everyone around me had the perfect life, and somehow my family had missed the boat. I would ask my mom why we couldn’t just be like The _____’s, and she would try to explain to me that I was only seeing the surface, there is no perfect family. Sure, I thought. 

Well, here I am as an adult and wouldn’t you know, she was right! I have yet to meet one perfect family… We are all a mess. And while God chooses to love us anyway, there are still consequences for our actions.

Manipulation, haste, deceit, theft, jealousy, hatred, revenge… and not one mention of God. Should we be surprised that this family made an absolute mess of a blessing? When the costs are counted for their actions did anyone really come out as the winner?

Each one was seeking to fulfill their own selfish desires, but they were left with a wave of consequences. Isaac ended up cursing the very son he was trying to bestow a blessing upon; Esau, with no value for his birthright from the beginning, left with nothing but hatred for his brother and a vengeful heart; Jacob had to leave behind his inheritance to flee for his life; and Rebekah lost both of her sons. What a mess!

Thank you God, for not letting the messes we make get in the way of Your will. Help us to see that choosing to act on the desires of the flesh will always lead to failure and a trail of consequences to clean up.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 27:1-19

Today's verses from the beginning: Genesis 27:1-19

Click the link above or open up your Bible.

Jacob. The receiver of a “secondhand” birthright and now the thief of a blessing. This is the man who inherits God’s covenant and goes on to father the twelve nations of Israel. A man willing to deceive his own father. I can’t believe God would use him.

Oh, but how quickly those words turned sour in my mouth. How many mistakes have I made? How many times have I chosen the wrong path? And yet he calls me by none of those things.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

That is a big love. We are flawed and God loves us anyway, uses us anyway.

Thank You God, for using me because YOU ARE. Not because of the things I am or the things I am not, but simply because You are. Perfect, in every single place that I am not. Strong where I am weak. What an incredible blessing.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 26

No Bible close by? Click on the link to read Genesis 26.

Like Father, Like Son

If this were a movie, we must have hit rewind. Hadn’t Abraham shared his experience with his son Isaac? Like one of those life lessons parents like to pass along, and afterwards they have a big laugh because of how completely insane it was? 

Apparently not because Isaac jumps head first into the exact same lie! Just like his dad did in chapter 20, Isaac tells the men his wife is his sister because he is afraid. And it worked just as well for Isaac as it did for Abraham... not at all.

When will we learn that letting fear drive our words and actions is never a wise thing to do?

Thankfully, that is not the only similarity Isaac shares with his father. After a series of events, Abimelech approaches Isaac hoping to make peace. When Isaac questions his motive, he replies, “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you”.

I can imagine people had the same thing to say about Abraham.

“Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him,
keeping my commands, my decrees, and my instructions” Genesis 26:5

What an exceptional example to follow. No one is perfect, and mistakes will be made. Sometimes the same silly mistake is passed on from one generation to the next, but where is your heart?  

Can others see clearly the Lord is with you?

Lord Jesus, bless me with a clear understanding of my parents and family,

so I do not fall into the same sins they did, passing them on to my children.

The only thing I want to pass on to the next generation

is an exceptional faithfulness to You.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 25:19-34

Continuing our journey back to the beginning with Genesis 25:19-34. Read the verses in your Bible or click the reference to read online at BibleGateway.com.     

       

And just like that, Esau trades his birthright for a bowl of stew.

Did he not know what he was heir to?
Did he not know that God’s promise was living, active, and being fulfilled as he spoke?
I am sure the stew was good, maybe even delicious, but was he truly satisfied?
Or was he hungry again a couple of hours later?

I have been there, maybe you have too --- hungry and trying to fill yourself with some earthly thing. Trading what you know to be right in your heart for what you want at the moment. But you and I both know the bowl of stew only provides temporary satisfaction for a fleeting desire. And then you are left empty.

That deep down in your soul satisfaction we are all so hungry for can only be found in God. There is absolutely no satisfaction outside of Him. No substitute will do and anything short of Him will leave us hungry and searching for more. 

Do you know, really know, that God’s promise is still living and active even after all this time? Do you know what you are heir to?

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:29)

This is an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. (1 Peter 1:4)

We praise You, God, for letting us live in Your promise.

For sharing an inheritance with us that we could never deserve. 

When I am tempted to find satisfaction in earthly desires,

remind me that You are the provider of true satisfaction.

Amen

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 25:1-18

Today's reading: Genesis 25:1-18

Open up your Bible or click the reference above to read online.

I confess, I tend to skip the passages of lineage. The names get boggled up in my brain and lines of genealogy turn into a jumbled knot.

As I read it over and over again, waiting for the lines to untangle, I could not get the song out of my head. You know the one:

“Father Abraham, had many sons. Many sons had father Abraham, I am one of them and so are you, so let’s all praise the Lord…”

I loved it as a child. It was one of those happy kid songs you just loved to sing. As an adult I find a completely different joy in it. The joy of knowing God did exactly as He promised and because of His unfailing promises I get to be in His family. That is joyful news!

“Therefore the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring --- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” Romans 4:16

Father God, thank You for the many proofs of Your promises throughout Scripture.

Write them on my heart so I may walk assured in the promise

of  Your receiving me as Your son.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 24:29-67

Genesis 24:29-67 is our reading today. Click the link or open up your Bible.

     
Today, Let us pray for a Genesis 24 kind of trust.

The Servant spends no time obsessing over the how; he trusts that God will. Not only does he show an inward trust of God as he expectantly waits for the Lord to lead him, he also exudes trust as he pours out his praises for the Lord and recounts every detail of the trip leaving no question that this is God’s work.

God, remind me that it is not my business to figure out HOW You will do things.

Laban and Bethuel readily acknowledge God at work and give the most matter of fact answer to the servant’s request: “This is from the Lord… take her to become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.” Neither tried to justify the events which had taken place, nor did they hesitate to accept all this as God’s doing.  

Some could argue they were wooed by the gifts to be had. If that is the case, does it really make a difference? God provided the servant with whatever he needed in order for the trip to be successful. If jewels and riches were needed to sway the brothers’ consent, so be it. The focus changes nonetheless.

God, remove my hesitations when it comes to seeing You at work in my life.

Rebekah: “I will go.” Not “Let me think about it for a while” or “I’m really comfortable where I’m at so thanks for asking, but no thanks.” In that moment, with those three short words, Rebekah gave up her life as she knew it --- the comforts of home, her family, her native land --- and acted on God’s calling to a new life. That is bold trust.

God, I want to hear Your call with such a bold trust that the only reply I know is: Yes Lord, I will go.

Father God I want to trust in you completely;
 I’m so sorry for all of the times I try to make sense of things in a worldly way.
 Give me the boldness to seek out YOUR WAY and trust that where You will lead me

is so much better than where I could lead myself.

A Proverbs 3:5-6 Prayer

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 24:1-28

Read today's Word: Genesis 24:1-28

Open up your Bible or open up the link by clicking on the Scripture reference.

(Thigh promise… Hmm. Aren't we all a little glad that handshakes and pinky promises are the cultural norm of today?)

Abraham’s journey in the world is coming to a close and he knows it is time to bring forward the next generation, so he commissions his senior most servant with the job of finding a bride for his son Isaac. Abraham is very clear the woman cannot be a Canaanite. His servant MUST travel back to Abraham’s native land (approximately 450 miles) and then bring the bride back to marry Isaac. 

The servant asked him, “What if the woman is not willing to come back with me?”

There it is. The familiar sound of what if. 

What if I can’t make this work? What if I fail?

Too often I find myself freezing before the fear of failure. How do I forget so easily that if I step out on faith, the Lord will be there to guide my steps?  

Abraham’s servant lets go of the what if and commits to the task at hand. He arrives at a well on the outskirts of town and prays to God for a sign. He does not ask for a miraculous sign like fire falling from the sky. Instead he asks for a display of great character from the woman who will be right for Isaac. He sits back to watch as God answers his prayer leaving no room for doubt. Rebekah is the one. The one kind and hospitable enough to not only provide water for him, but also make sure his camels do not go thirsty. The one God had long planned for.

Father God, thank You for Your perfect plan. Please forgive me for the times I forget You are bigger than my fear of failure. I ask that You guide my steps and show me the relief in handing my “what if’s” over to You. In Your Son’s most holy name I pray, Amen.

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 23

Abraham' story continues in Genesis 23. Read the chapter by clicking on the link.

… Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.

Not even the Father of Faith is exempt from losing loved ones. I remind myself even though there is loss on this side of the story, Jesus’ sacrifice unites us with God’s sweet promises on the other side.

From my own experience with loss, I know it is so very easy, tempting, to get stuck in it. But Abraham did not get stuck in his grief. He literally stood up to take care of the business at hand --- purchasing a burial site for his wife.

More than once he is offered the gift of this land. Take it, I thought, God has already promised it to you… it is technically yours! And that’s when it hits me, this is another act of faith. Abraham believed so strongly in God’s promise that he was willing to invest in it.

Father, I pray you would give me the faith of Abraham. That I would believe with every ounce of my being You are The God of love, truth, and fulfilled promises. So much so, even my worldly investments are a reflection of trust in Your plan.

Amen.